Blythe did a lot of tossing and turning last night and finally woke up around 5:00 a.m. It's hard to know what she likes for a bedtime routine so we are trying various bedtime rituals to see what works. I went to the gym around 6:00 a.m. and then we all went to the lobby to Skype with Claire and Avery. It is obvious that my parents are doing an excellent job, as both girls are so happy! We miss Avery and Claire so much. We talk about them all day long!
Our first breakfast with Blythe was great although we have to be very careful what we feed her. She likes doughnuts (just like her mom) but really can't swallow that texture so there was a bit of a choking incident-nothing too serious!
After breakfast we met Ashley our guide in the lobby and drove back to the Hunan Provincial Adoption Office to have the paperwork finalized. They basically confirmed that we were happy with Blythe and that we could take care of her. We were thrilled to answer yes to both questions. The director of Blythe's ward at the orphanage was there. I was actually a little happy when Blythe immediately cried as she came close. Perhaps for a moment she wondered if we were sending her back - never!
After the appointments were complete we went back to the room and Blythe took a nice nap. We then fed her lunch and headed down to the lobby for a couple glasses of sparkling water before heading off on a walk to a local park. The park was amazing - amusement rides, boat rides, aquarium and snake exihibit, go carts, women singing karaoke, games, you name it this huge park had it all. We were somewhat of an amusement to the locals. We got a lot of stares, a few young people practicing their English, and even a request for photos. As well as one gentleman who followed us around for about ten minutes taking our picture from several yards away?? You see very few westerners in Changsha; we were the only ones at the park so I guess we stood out quite a bit.
Back at the hotel it was time to switch rooms for a third time. The air conditioning in our room would not work so it was becoming quite uncomfortable. We moved to another room where it is probably one or two degrees colder...
A few observations...
1. They dress their children very warmly. It was close to 60 degrees today and children were dressed in snowsuits. Our guide recommended that we keep Blythe bundled up at all times as Chinese medicine proscribes that your neck be covered to ward off illness. Most homes, stores, and government buildings are not heated so it makes sense to an extent. With that said I see a lot of flushed children in snow pants and long johns who look very uncomfortable.
2. Christian and I are running out of new topics so we find ourselves having the same conversation over and over. Thank goodness that we have so much fun together or it could be grounds for divorce.
3. Christian swears that I have confused half of China with my questions and requests. i will say they don't give up easily and usually get it in the end.
We continue to be in awe of Blythe, without question she is by far the bravest person I know. At 15 months of age, she has left behind every familiar part of her life with such courage. She is already laughing and smiling and if you can believe it she call me "Ma" at dinner tonight while trying to get my attention - she wanted more food! She is beautiful, smart, and a survivor at her core. I can't wait for her to join forces with her two incredible sisters!
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